R R

What Is Roflumilast?

Roflumilast is a prescription phosphodiesterase 4, or PDE4, inhibitor used in different formulations for respiratory and inflammatory skin conditions. Oral roflumilast tablets, marketed as Daliresp, reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Topical roflumilast, marketed as Zoryve, is available in creams and foams for selected inflammatory skin conditions. These products have different approved uses, strengths, and administration instructions. Oral roflumilast is not a rescue medication for sudden breathing difficulties, while topical formulations must not be swallowed or applied to the eyes.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Roflumilast?

Roflumilast is a prescription phosphodiesterase 4, or PDE4, inhibitor used in different formulations for respiratory and inflammatory skin conditions. Oral roflumilast tablets, marketed as Daliresp, reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Topical roflumilast, marketed as Zoryve, is available in creams and foams for selected inflammatory skin conditions. These products have different approved uses, strengths, and administration instructions. Oral roflumilast is not a rescue medication for sudden breathing difficulties, while topical formulations must not be swallowed or applied to the eyes.

read more about roflumilast ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Roflumilast Work?

Roflumilast inhibits phosphodiesterase 4, an enzyme involved in breaking down cyclic adenosine monophosphate, or cAMP, inside cells. Inhibiting this enzyme increases intracellular cAMP and changes signaling pathways associated with inflammation. In severe COPD, these effects can reduce inflammatory activity that contributes to exacerbations, although roflumilast does not directly relax airway muscles like a bronchodilator. In inflammatory skin conditions, topical roflumilast acts on PDE4-related pathways within affected tissues, reducing inflammatory responses. Its effects depend on the formulation, diagnosis, and prescribed schedule. Oral and topical roflumilast products should not be treated as interchangeable.

What Conditions Does Roflumilast Treat?

Oral roflumilast is approved to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and previous exacerbations. It is not indicated for acute bronchospasm or every form of COPD. Topical Zoryve cream 0.3% treats plaque psoriasis, including intertriginous areas, in patients aged two years and older. Zoryve cream 0.15% treats mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients aged six years and older, while the 0.05% cream is approved for children aged two through five years. Topical foam products have separately labeled indications, including seborrheic dermatitis and scalp or body psoriasis. A clinician selects the appropriate formulation for the diagnosed condition.

How Should Roflumilast Be Taken or Applied?

For severe COPD, oral roflumilast is taken at a maintenance dose of 500 mcg once daily, with or without food. Patients may begin with 250 mcg once daily for four weeks before increasing to 500 mcg to improve tolerability. The lower dose is not an effective maintenance dose. Oral roflumilast is contraindicated in moderate to severe liver impairment. Topical Zoryve products are generally applied once daily to affected skin using the strength specified for the condition and age group. Creams and foams are for topical use only and must not enter the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Strong enzyme-inducing medications can reduce oral roflumilast effectiveness.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Roflumilast?

Oral roflumilast can cause diarrhea, nausea, headache, reduced appetite, insomnia, and weight loss. Serious psychiatric reactions, including depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior, have been reported. Patients taking oral roflumilast should have their weight monitored regularly, and significant unexplained weight loss requires reassessment. Moderate to severe liver impairment is a contraindication. Topical roflumilast has a different adverse-effect profile, with possible application-site reactions, headache, diarrhea, and other effects depending on the product. Topical formulations must not be applied to the eyes or mucous membranes. New mood changes, suicidal thoughts, severe allergic reactions, or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms require medical attention.

Common Questions About Roflumilast

Is roflumilast the same as Daliresp?

Daliresp is the oral formulation of roflumilast used to reduce COPD exacerbation risk. Zoryve contains roflumilast in topical formulations for selected skin conditions.

Can roflumilast stop a sudden COPD attack?

No. Oral roflumilast is not a bronchodilator and does not provide immediate relief during acute breathing difficulties.

Can roflumilast treat psoriasis or eczema?

Yes. Specific topical Zoryve formulations are approved for plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with strengths and age limits determined by the label.

Can oral roflumilast cause weight loss?

Yes. Weight loss is a recognized adverse effect of oral roflumilast. Patients should have their weight monitored during treatment.

References

DailyMed - ROFLUMILAST tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cb3781ff-5350-4f9a-b247-0b04eb0f2b92. Date Accessed November 4, 2026.

DailyMed - ZORYVE (roflumilast) cream. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ec1bb0d1-f38a-4080-831a-68791d1d1fdb. Date Accessed November 4, 2026.

Roflumilast. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548195/. Date Accessed November 4, 2026.

Roflumilast. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611034.html. Date Accessed November 4, 2026.

Roflumilast Topical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a625108.html. Date Accessed November 4, 2026.